Free workshops discuss gardening, small livestock and birch tapping
Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
Feb. 18, 2026
Jim Vinyard, UAF research assistant professor of livestock nutrition, will discuss proper care of small ruminants, such as these goats, in one of a series of workshops hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service in Palmer.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Center in Palmer is hosting a series of free lunch-and-learn classes throughout March.
Topics include gardening for beginners, chicken-raising basics, birch tapping and caring for small farm animals. All classes are from noon to 1 p.m. Participants can attend via Zoom or in person at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer. Registration is required using the links below for both options.
On March 4, Jenny Weaver, president of the Mat-Su Master Gardeners, will explain the fundamentals of gardening in Alaska. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/AKGardening101.
On March 18, the seminar will cover raising chickens for people who want to start their own flocks. It will cover breed selection, egg incubation, nutrition, coop design, disease management and tips for keeping a flock healthy in cold weather. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/MatSuChicken101.
The March 25 workshop will focus on tapping birch trees. Participants will learn how to safely tap birch trees, store the sap and make birch syrup. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/MatSuBirch.
On April 1, Jim Vinyard, UAF research assistant professor of livestock nutrition, will explain the fundamentals of raising sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas and reindeer for meat, milk, packing, fiber or companionship. He will cover the basics of the necessary facilities, nutrition, reproduction, health and welfare for each species. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/Ruminant101.
For more information, contact the front desk at the Matanuska Experiment Farm at matsu.ces@alaska.edu or call 907-745-3360.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu .
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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